Heating and A/C Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The purpose of the heating and A/C system is to provide heated and cooled air to the interior of the vehicle. The A/C system will also remove humidity from the interior and reduce windshield fogging. Regardless of the temperature setting, the following can effect the rate that the HVAC system can achieve the desired temperature:

Recirculation actuator setting
Difference between inside and desired temperature
Difference between ambient and desired temperature
Blower motor speed setting
Mode setting
Auxiliary HVAC settings

The manual HVAC system is a dual temperature zone system. There are 2 separate air temperature levers. Moving the air temperature levers to the upward position diverts most of the airflow through the heater core, which increases the outlet air temperature. Moving the air temperature levers to the most downward position diverts most of the airflow around the heater core, which decreases the outlet air temperature. The right air temperature actuator controls the duct air temperature flowing through the center console to the second row seating passengers. The air temperature offset can be as much as 16.7°C (30°F).

Pressing the A/C button enables the HVAC control module to request A/C compressor engagement and turn ON the A/C button LED. The HVAC control module sends a class 2 message to the PCM for A/C compressor engagement. The PCM will provide a ground for the A/C compressor relay enabling it to close its internal contacts to send battery voltage to the A/C compressor clutch coil. The A/C compressor diode will prevent a voltage spike, resulting from the collapse of the magnetic field of the coil, from entering the vehicle electrical system when the compressor is disengaged. Defrost and Defog mode selections will request A/C operation but not turn ON the A/C LED.

The following conditions must be met in order for the A/C compressor clutch to turn ON:

Ambient air temperature above 1°C (35°F).
A/C low pressure switch signal circuit is grounded.
A/C refrigerant pressure sensor parameter is less than 2413 kPa (350 psi).
A/C compressor temperature switch contacts are closed.
PCM receives an A/C request from the HVAC control module.
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 123°C (253°F).
The engine RPM is more than 550 RPM.
The throttle position is less than 100 percent.

The HVAC control module monitors the A/C low pressure switch signal circuit. If the voltage signal on this circuit has no voltage drop the module will interpret this condition as a low pressure, disabling the A/C request. The A/C low pressure switch will open its internal contacts at 151 kPa (22 psi). Then close the contacts at 275 kPa (40 psi) to resume A/C operation. This switch assists in cycling the A/C compressor and prevents A/C compressor operation if system has a low refrigerant level.

The PCM monitors the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal circuit. The voltage signal on this circuit is proportional to the refrigerant pressure inside the A/C high side pressure line. As the pressure inside the line increases, so does the voltage signal. If the pressure is above 2413 kPa (350 psi), the A/C compressor output is disabled. When the pressure lowers to 1578 kPa (229 psi), the PCM enables the compressor to operate.

The sensor information is used by the PCM to determine the following:

The A/C high side pressure
An A/C system load on the engine
An excessive A/C high side pressure
The heat load at the A/C condenser

The A/C compressor has an A/C compressor temperature switch. This switch protects the compressor from over heating. The switch interrupts power to the compressor clutch coil. When the compressor core temperature rises above 135°C (275°F) the switch opens, disabling the compressor clutch coil. When the temperature lowers to 120°C (248°F) the switch closes, enabling the compressor clutch coil. This switch is not a serviceable part, it is integral to the A/C compressor.

Once engaged, the compressor clutch will be disengaged for the following conditions:

Ambient air temperature is less than 1°C (35°F).
A/C compressor temperature switch contacts are open.
Throttle position is 100 percent.
The A/C low pressure switch is open.
A/C high side pressure is more than 2413 kPa (350 psi).
A/C low side pressure is less than 151 kPa (22 psi).
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 123°C (253°F).
Engine speed is more than 5,500 RPM.
Transmission shift
PCM detects excessive torque load.
PCM detects insufficient idle quality.
PCM detects a hard launch condition.